Reticulocytes

DESCRIPTION:
Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells, i.e. young erythrocytes (the penultimate stage in erythrocyte maturation). The determination of the absolute or relative number of reticulocytes and the reticulocyte maturity index (RMI) are important indicators of bone marrow erythropoietic activity.

DETERMINATION:
Sample: WHOLE BLOOD (EDTA) Method: Preparation of a blood smear stained with a vital dye – brilliant cresyl blue (which stains the remnants of ribonucleic acid contained in reticulocytes), after which reticulocytes are counted microscopically.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
ELEVATED: An increased number of reticulocytes (reticulocytosis) in peripheral blood is a reliable indicator of regenerative erythropoiesis. Reticulocytosis combined with macrocytic anemia suggests partially treated vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. DECREASED: A reduced number of reticulocytes or reticulocytopenia is a sign of ineffective erythropoiesis and occurs in non-regenerative anemias, e.g., in anemias with iron, copper, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency, as well as in anemias of chronic diseases (chronic inflammation, malignant tumors, chronic kidney damage, endocrine disorders, aplastic anemia).

FINDINGS:
Reference values Men and women: 22 – 97 x 10⁹/L